DOLORES “DEE” ELDRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

In 1997, Business & Professional Women of Nevada County realized there were many scholarships available for young women graduating from high school but few, if any, for more mature women returning to school. BPWNC has awarded 61 women more than $47,000 in scholarships as of February 2017. The scholarship is about saying, “We believe in you!”

Scholarships help with tuition, books, childcare or any other needed services or supplies that support a return to education. Scholarships are awarded once a year in August. On August 16, 2017 we will celebrate our 20th anniversary!

THE HELGA ROHL ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD

Through the years we have encountered women who need special certification and other assistance to complete programs not offered in the usual college setting. In 2016, we had an applicant, Heather G., who we strongly believed deserved an award but who was not eligible for the Scholarship. At that time, the Education Fund decided to create a separate award, subsequently named The Helga Rohl Encouragement Award. Helga was a long-time member and past president of BPWNC who passed away in November 2016. As she was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and pay equity, we decided to memorialize her with this award, given to women who fall outside the parameters of our academic scholarship requirements.

After receiving the Encouragement Award, Heather wrote to us and said: “BPWNC not only helped me achieve my goal and dream but believed in me and gave me hope. Because of them I am proud to say I represent an amazing company that helps those who are caught in the grip of [addiction] and want a better life for not only themselves but for their kids as well. Thank you. ”

SUPPORTING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

While the scholarship is administered by the board of the tax exempt Education Fund, the program belongs to all the members of BPWNC. Indeed, it is part of BPWNC’s mission statement to support educational opportunities for women. With the enthusiastic participation of all our members, BPWNC continues to make a difference for local women who are already working hard to achieve their goals.

The board of the Education Fund/Scholarship program/The Helga Rohl Encouragement Award invites all members to become involved by serving on the Ed Fund board, donating money toward the scholarship award, raising funds or helping in many other capacities. Join us and give women the priceless gift of education.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Business and Professional
Women of Nevada County is to support and
promote equity for women in all aspects
of their lives.

Objectives

• To promote personal and professional development for working women.
• To advocate on National, State, and Local legislative issues of importance to working women.
• To support the California Commission on the Status of Women.
• To promote the education of our members and the community in matters of women’s equality as it relates to economics, employment, health, education, housing, civil rights, and other issues of equal opportunity.